Portsmouth boss John Mousinho shares glowing Sheffield United verdict ahead of Championship clash
Sheffield United will be determined to get back to winning ways when they face Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday afternoon.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has described Sheffield United as a “very, very talented side” ahead of Saturday’s Championship meeting at Fratton Park.
The Blades will make the long trip south looking to get back to winning ways after being narrowly edged out by table-toppers Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on Monday evening, losing 2-1.
First half goals from Tommy Conway and Riley McGree did just enough to seal all three points for Boro, who leapfrogged Coventry City at the summit with maximum points, marking the end of United’s three-game unbeaten run.
Although United are currently 17th in the standings, they are still within eight points of the play-off places, meaning all is not yet lost in their quest to extend their season by a minimum of two matches come May.
The Blades will be hoping to take advantage of several of their fellow play-off hopefuls not being in Championship action this weekend due to the FA Cup fourth round to try muscle their way into the thick of the top six race.
Mousinho shares Blades verdict
Offering his assessment of Chris Wilder’s team, Portsmouth boss Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent: “I think the start to the season that they had obviously set them back, and then they had a run when they were really looking like they were on the up and maybe going to be challenging for the top six at some point.
“Ultimately, the start that they had has pinned them back and meant they haven’t quite been able to kick on since then. But they are a very, very talented side with an extremely talented squad.
“If you look at the other night [vs Middlesbrough], you’re bringing Kalvin Phillips off the bench who has got 31 England caps. In and amongst a few others, the likes of Joe Rothwell and Tyrese Campbell, for example.
“It is an incredibly gifted, talented squad. A massive club. But we have got to do our best to level all those things off at Fratton Park which I think we do very, very well and at the minute we’re in decent enough form as well, so I think it will be a really, really good encounter.”